A BUCKLEY man is due to appear in court today (Friday, July 17) after UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers seized a large quantity of heroin in Dover.

About 120 kilos of heroin, worth about £5.4m and about six kilos of amphetamine sulphate, worth about £60,000. were discovered at Dover's Eastern Docks.

A lorry was stopped in the freight controls early on Thursday morning (July 16) after it had disembarked a ferry.

During a search of the vehicle, which was carrying a load of mixed general cargo, UKBA officers discovered a large number of brown-taped packages hidden within the structure of the trailer.

The contents of some of the packages tested positive for heroin.

Following the detection, the case was passed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation officers to continue enquiries.

The vehicle driver, David Lewis, 47, of Nant Mawr Crescent, Buckley, Flintshire, was interviewed and subsequently charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK.

He is due to appear before Folkestone Magistrates this morning.

HMRC enquiries are continuing.

HM Revenue & Customs Dover spokesman Bob Gaiger said: “This was another excellent detection by UK Border Agency officers which led to the seizure of a very significant amount of drugs.

“HMRC, together with UKBA, play a vital role in the fight to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK and in protecting our communities from the violence and corruption that always accompany this hideous trade.

“Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to drugs smuggling should call our 24-hour Customs Hotline - 0800 59 5000.”